The Halton Regional Police Service Board has agreed to adopt Language Interpreting Services Application (LISA), a web-based video and audio app by Languages in Motion Ltd., that provides frontline officers 24/7 access to interpreters in over 200 languages, including American Sign Language.
With Halton being among the fastest growing regions in the GTHA, the population is expected to gain an additional 50,000 residents by the end of the year with the population expected to grow to over 800,000 residents by 2031.
With the growth, currently 17 per cent of residents speak a language at home other than English or French, and more than 7,000 Halton residents are reportedly not able to speak either language, which is a 40 per cent increase from 2011.
Providing frontline officers access to LISA will be a step in helping the Service develop trust and meaningful relationships with all members of our community and continue to do their job to the best of their ability, Halton police said in a press release. When officers attend an incident but do not speak the same language as those involved, using the app will help relay information instantly using secure access to professional certified translators and interpreters.
“Discovering innovative solutions to overcoming barriers within policing is always a top priority for our Service," said Halton Regional Police Service superintendent Bob Gourley. "The people and communities our officers are sworn to serve are evolving, and so too must our mentality and approach to policing. When we say we’re here for the community, we mean everybody. Having LISA available at any given moment will ensure our officers are better equipped to answer the call – regardless of who is making it.”
More information on LISA can be found here
